Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq today reviewed the progress of various schemes in the rural development sector under implementation in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts.Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chander Parkash Ganga MLA Chamb, Dr Krishan Lal Bhagat, MLA Bishnah, Dr Kamal Arora, MLA Samba, Dr Devinder Kumar Manyal, MLA Hiranagar, Kuldeep Raj and MLC Master Noor Hussain were also present in the meeting.The Minister held Panchayat-wise interactive session with ACDs, BDOs, JEs, VLWs and GRSs of the three districts and enquired in detail about various works taken up, performance, quality, number of works taken in convergence with other departments and physical and financial progress achieved till date.Speaking on the occasion, Abdul Haq said during the tenure of present dispensation a big transformation has been witnessed in performance of the Rural Development Department. He stressed on focusing on works in convergence with other departments so that a pool of resources is created that could be utilized for creating quality assets. He said the convergence scheme is proving a game-changer in rural areas with productive assets coming up for the people.
Emphasizing on completion of all the developmental projects with swiftness, the Minister directed the officials to achieve the targets within given time frame so that all projects under various schemes are completed on ground. He also directed for ensuring authenticity and transparency in issuance of job cards.Abdul Haq directed the officials to work with dedication and sincerity and not to worry about the flow of funds as the department has sufficient funds for the execution of works and schemes.The Minister said most of the developmental and welfare activities in rural areas are being carried out by the Rural Development Department and it has a pivotal role in the overall development strategies of the State.The Minister asked the officers to make functioning of RDD more pro-active and vibrant and work with zeal besides ensuring successful implementation of all RDD schemes on ground. He asked for formulating comprehensive plan for timely completion of projects, besides regular monitoring of all projects to ensure timely completion.
The Minister stressed upon all the district level officers of the department to utilize all resources and manpower to make rural areas polythene and pollution free which are big threats to the sustenance of development.Underscoring need of proper tracking and monitoring of works under the department and to ensure quality, the Minister said that he shall personally carry out surprise visits to various blocks.Under the initiative “My Village, My World”, Mr Abdul Haq impressed upon all field functionaries of the department to spread awareness among the masses regarding clean villages, springs, rivers and natural resources so that these could be preserved for future generations. He asked officers to start drive in this regard at block levels with active community participation so that every village is made free from such menace and cleanliness is ensured in and around the rural areas.Meanwhile, speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Industries and Commerce Chander Parkash Ganga appreciated the efforts of RDD Minister for improving work culture in the department.Chief Executive officer, State Level Nodal Agency for Watershed, B.A Khan, Deputy Commissioner Samba, Sheetal Nanda, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Ramesh Kumar, Director Rural Development Department Jammu, M.L. Raina, Additional District Development Commissioner Jammu, Anuradha Gupta, senior officers and staff of RDD were present in the meeting.